Page 25 of Shifting the Flame
"Let's check on the festival setup," he said, his thumb tracing small circles against her back through the thin cotton fabric.
Danica nodded, hyperaware of his touch as they headed toward the town square. She still couldn't get over how quickly everything had changed. Two days ago, she'd been a single event planner focused solely on her career. Now she was supposedly the fated mate of a dragon shifter Alpha mayor who moonlighted as a furniture maker.
And strangely enough, it felt absolutely right.
When they got to the town square, Danica noticed immediately that it had transformed dramatically since yesterday. White tents stood in neat rows, while jewel-toned canopies created vibrant focal points exactly where she'd suggested. Volunteers scurried about hanging fairy lights from the tent ceilings, creating the magical ambiance she'd envisioned. The main stage dominated one end of the square, while a smaller platform had been constructed at the opposite end.
"This is amazing," Danica breathed, surveying their collaborative vision coming to life. "I can't believe they've accomplished so much in such a short time."
Asher's chest puffed with pride as he took in the scene. "Dragon shifters work fast when properly motivated. And finding out their Alpha's mate is finally here is pretty damn motivating."
A group of townspeople waved enthusiastically as they spotted them, and Danica felt a surprising warmth spread through her chest at their genuine acceptance. An older woman approached with a basket of pastries, pressing them into Danica's hands.
"For our Alpha's mate," she said with a wink. "My special dragon-fire tarts. Welcome to our clutch, dear."
"Thank you," Danica replied, genuinely touched. "These look delicious."
After they examined the festival grounds more thoroughly, Asher squeezed her waist. "I need to run to town hall — council business. I'll be right back." His eyes darkened as he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "Don't go far. I'm not finished with you today."
His possessive tone sent shivers through her. "I'll just check the street preparations," she managed, her voice embarrassingly breathy.
Asher pressed a quick, hard kiss to her lips before striding away, his powerful frame commanding attention from everyone he passed.
Danica took a deep breath to steady herself and continued down Main Street, clipboard in hand. The transformation extended beyond the square—storefronts were adorned with festive banners, and strings of lights crisscrossed overhead, ready to illuminate the evening celebrations.
As she rounded a corner, she spotted a flash of vibrant red hair. Joni stood directing a group of volunteers hanging garlands between lampposts. Gone was the sophisticated wrap dress from breakfast, replaced with a casual outfit that shouldn't have looked as stylish as it did—designer jeans that hugged her athletic frame and a simple white t-shirt that somehow screamed "expensive."
Danica paused, observing the woman who had seemed so friendly yet simultaneously dismissive this morning at Asher's mansion. Something about the way Joni commanded the volunteers reminded her of Asher's natural authority—it must be a dragon thing. Yet there was tension in Joni's shoulders that hadn't been there earlier.
Joni hadn't noticed her yet, giving Danica a moment to collect her thoughts. The dragon shifter had congratulated them on their fated mate bond. But something in Danica's event planner instincts—honed from years of reading people and situations—whispered caution.
Is she really that okay with her ex finding his fated mate in the past twenty-four hours?Danica wondered.
Danica stood on the sidewalk, rooted in place, watching Joni from a distance. She was impressed despite herself at how the dragon shifter moved and interacted with others. There was something magnetic about these dragon shifters—a natural grace and power that seemed to radiate from them.
As she observed Joni directing the volunteers with practiced efficiency, a hushed conversation behind her grabbed her attention.
"That's her? The Alpha's supposed mate?" a woman whispered, not quite quietly enough.
"Some human event planner," a man replied with obvious disdain. "She's not one of us."
"What could she possibly know about our traditions?" another voice chimed in. "Does she even have the strength or instincts to support an Alpha?"
"Or the loyalty our clutch needs?"
Danica felt her body go rigid, her cheeks burning with shame and anger. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot as the whispers continued, each word like a small dagger between her ribs. She'd faced difficult clients and handled countless stressful situations before, but this was different. These people were judging her very existence and her worthiness to stand beside Asher.
Before she could decide whether to confront them or flee, a flash of red hair appeared at her side.
"Are you okay?" Joni asked, her green-gold eyes assessing Danica with surprising concern.
Danica's gaze flicked involuntarily toward the group of gossipers, who now stood awkwardly shifting their feet. Joni followed her look, and her expression hardened instantly.
"You worthless gossips," Joni snapped, her voice carrying an undercurrent of something wild and dangerous. "Is this how we welcome our Alpha's mate? With petty jealousy and backbiting?"
The group scattered like startled birds, muttering apologies as they retreated.
"They said I don't have the strength or instincts to be Asher's mate," Danica murmured, hating how small her voice sounded. "That I'm just 'some human' who doesn't belong."
